 |
United Kingdom - Units & Systems
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Once the rescue assets have arrived at the scene of a distressed submarine the Emergency Life Support System supplies can be re-plenished. This is done using pressure tight "pods" delivered to the distressed submarine through the escape hatch and tower, by either LR5, Scorpio ROV or divers. The pods are manufactured of glass reinforced plastic, are cylindrical in shape and domed at one end. At the opposite end there is a cap, made of
aluminum alloy, that screws into the POD body. A vent plug is fitted to the end cap so that the survivors can equalize the pressure in the pod with the distressed submarine before opening
it.
|
|
|
|
|
| SCORPIO is a dedicated rescue remotely operated vehicle fitted with specialised manipulators.
The vehicle's primary role is to assist in locating a distressed submarine, survey the damage, and then transfer life support stores in special containers via the submarine's
escape hatch.
The stores, which are necessary to maintain a safe breathable atmosphere for the survivors over the duration of the rescue period, include oxygen candles and carbon dioxide absorbent to keep the air breathable for longer, and medical supplies if
required.
|
|
Photo shows Scorpio 45 ROV and team.
Left to Right: Richard Miller (Pilot and mechanical engineer)
Stuart Gold (ROV supervisor & electronic engr)
Will Forrester (Pilot)
Tom Calvert (Snr Pilot & electrical engr)
|
|
|
|
|
| LR5 is launched off the mother ship using a suitable A-frame. Diving onto the distressed submarine, she will be piloted over the escape hatch and begin the mating procedure
which is achieved by producing an airtight seal between the distressed submarine and the skirt of the LR5.
|
 |
 |
Once a seal is obtained the pressure in LR5, the skirt cavity and the distressed submarine will be equalised and the hatches opened allowing the transfer of survivors onto the rescue vehicle. When all the rescuees are on board the hatches will be shut and the mating procedure reversed, after which LR5 detaches from the distressed submarine and is driven back to the surface where she can be recovered on board the
mothership.
|
LR5 went through a major refit in 2000 extending its rescue capacity to a maximum of 16 rescuees. The craft is able to cope with undersea currents of up to 2.5 knots and can mate with a distressed submarine at an angle of 60 degrees.
|
 |
 |
Depending on the sea strength and the depth of the distressed submarine LR5's batteries can last for a maximum of 14 hours before needing recharging. LR5 has the ability to transfer rescuees of up to 5 bar, and can operate in shallow water of approximately 35 ft (min. depth). LR5 along with the rest of the UK's rescue assets is fully air portable and can therefore be deployed quickly around the world. |
|
|
Submarine Parachute Assistance Group
|
In 1967 the Royal Navy identified that a parachute rescue team could be needed to provide assistance to submarines in difficulty, particularly those submarines operating in remote areas.
The Submarine Parachute Advisory Group (SPAG) was formed using members of staff serving at the Submarine Escape Training Tank (SETT). They are tasked to be able to rapidly deploy a team of people with Escape and Rescue knowledge to provide advice and assistance to the crew of a DISSUB, survivors on the surface and any other rescue forces involved in the rescue effort.
The SPAG are trained in water descent parachuting using both round and square static-line parachutes. They are on 6 hours notice to take-off, 24 hours a day, all year round.
|
| They take with them the following equipment:
2 x inflatable boats (MIBs) twin engines
8 x 25 man inflatable life rafts
Hot and cold rations
First aid equipment
Surface oxygen therapy equipment
Submarine compatible underwater communications
Surface to air communications
GPS navigation equipment
Ship to shore communications
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
Distressed Submarine Decompression System
|
DSDS (Distressed Submarine Depressurisation System) is now near completion. It is a means by which the distressed submarine can be pressurised in a controlled manner, potentially reducing the pressure within the submarine. This can ease the problem of personal decompression when the survivors are brought to the surface in LR5.
The system comprises of a depressurisation control cabin and hose deployment system , the
umbilical (hose) is attached to the distressed submarine by means of a probe and adapter. The adapter and associated probe are designed to lock into an
interface socket on the casing of the submarine. When connected the valves can be opened, from either inside or outside the distressed submarine, and the depressurisation of the escape
compartments can commence. The system will make it less likely that survivors will experience pressure problems when transferring from LR5 to the decompression chambers on the surface. LR5 Scorpio ROV, or divers can deploy the umbilical and prope depending on the depth and sea conditions at the scene. The system is designed to operate on the continental shelf at depths of up to 200 m.
|
|
|
| Geofjord - a high utility ROV / construction support vessel, with flush deck and 6x6
moonpool. The "Triton XL 14" is a standard part of the Geofjord configuration.
|
| Main Specifications:
Built / converted: 1984 - 1997
Gross / net ton: 3736 / 1121
L.O.A.: 92.9 m
Beam: 16.0 m
Draught: 5.1 m
Speed: 11 (max)
DP: SDP21(AUTR)
Crane 1: 50t (Constant tension)
Beds / Cabins: 58 / 35
|
|
|
|
